Media sharing and communication system

ABSTRACT

A media sharing and communication system, including a recording mechanism that records a desired portion of media upon activation by a first individual user, a first user transmitter/receiver that transmits the portion of media and a message generated by the first individual user regarding the portion of media to a second individual user and is capable of transmitting a message to a second individual user, a confirmation mechanism that confirms that the second individual user is authorized to view the portion of media, a notification mechanism that notifies the first individual user if the second individual user is not authorized to receive the portion of media, a second user transmitter/receiver that receives the portion of media and voice message upon authorization of the second individual user, a search mechanism, and a video recording mechanism, an online betting module, and an online food ordering module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to generally to media sharing andcommunication systems and methods of providing the same.

2. Background Art

Individuals having common bonds, both men and women, congregate togetherto watch events such as sports, theater, or otherwise. In one particularaspect, it is common for individuals to watch television programmingincluding movies, sports, politics, or otherwise. This may occur in apublic setting, such as bars, or in a private setting, such as one'shome. During these programming events, individuals engage indiscussions, exchange of ideas or beliefs, cheering or even badgeringone another.

With the expansion in relationships between individuals, it is notalways possible for individuals to participate in viewing events orprogramming together. This is particularly the case after individualsseparate over time, such as after military service, college, orotherwise. However, recently it has become more common for individualsto maintain long distance relationships with one another. To thisextent, various internet service providers have offered networking andcommunication systems between individuals. They provide the ability tosend public and private messages to others in their networking group.They also provide the ability to share profiles and preferences with oneanother so as to exchange information. Examples of such networkingsystems include FACEBOOK®, LINKEDIN®, TWITTER®, or otherwise.

However, while these and other networking means have provided some meansfor individuals to maintain contact, they do not effectively replace theability for individuals to interact with one another, particularly whenit comes to events and more particularly with television programming.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for systems and methods toallow individuals to continue to enjoy events and programming together,without having to be at the same location. This allows for expandednetworking in different aspects than before.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a media sharing and communicationsystem, including a recording mechanism that records a desired portionof media upon activation by a first individual user who is not a contentprovider, the portion of media being less than a full media episode, afriend request mechanism for sending and receiving friend requestsbetween users to be approved to receive and share media and wherein thefriend request mechanism suggests friends who have similar interests ofthe first individual user, and wherein the friends are searchable byinformation chosen from the group consisting of name, user name, gamertag, telephone, address, and email, a first user transmitter/receiverincluded in a first user system that transmits the portion of media anda message generated by the first individual user regarding the portionof media to a second individual user who is not a content provider, thefirst user system including a first user interface having an inputdevice and screen view that is generated by software stored on a memorydevice of the first user transmitter/receiver, the first user systemincluding a user profile generator interface and a store section forshopping for products and listing products for sale, wherein the storesection includes software that recognizes and tags items available topurchase in the media and a mechanism for virtually trying on products,a confirmation mechanism that confirms that the second individual useris authorized to view the portion of media and a notification mechanismthat notifies the first individual user if the second individual user isnot authorized to receive the portion of media and notifies the secondindividual user that the portion of media cannot be received due toprogramming configuration subscribed to by the second individual user, asecond user transmitter/receiver included in a second user system thatreceives the portion of media upon authorization of the secondindividual user; the second user system including a second userinterface having an input device and screen view that is generated bysoftware stored on a memory device of the second usertransmitter/receiver, the second user system including a user profilegenerator interface and a store section for shopping for products andlisting products for sale, wherein the store section includes softwarethat recognizes and tags items available to purchase in the media and amechanism for virtually trying on products, a search mechanism thatallows the first individual user and second individual user to search bykeywords for media and products used in media, a video recordingmechanism that allows the first individual user to record a video ofthemselves and share the video with the second individual user, anonline betting module that allows the first individual user to placebets, and an online food ordering module that allows the firstindividual user to order food, wherein the online food ordering moduleincludes software that recognizes and tags food available to order inthe media.

The present invention also provides for method of sharing media by afirst individual user recording a portion of media and recording amessage of video, text, voice, emojis, images, and combinations thereofwith a first user interface on a first user system, transmitting theportion of media and message to a second individual user if the secondindividual user is authorized to view the portion of media, the secondindividual user viewing the portion of media and message with a seconduser interface on a second user system, the first individual userplacing a bet on a sporting event or online game with an online bettingmodule on the first user interface, software in a store section in thefirst user interface recognizing and tagging items available to purchasein the media, the first individual user shopping for available productsfrom the store section, software in an online food ordering module inthe first user interface recognizing and tagging food available to orderin the media, and the first individual user ordering food with theonline food ordering module on the first user interface.

The present invention also provides for a media sharing andcommunication system including a recording mechanism that records adesired portion of media upon activation by a first individual user whois not a content provider, the portion of media being less than a fullmedia episode, a friend request mechanism for sending and receivingfriend requests between users to be approved to receive and share mediaand wherein the friend request mechanism suggests friends who havesimilar interests of the first individual user and wherein the friendsare searchable by information of name, user name, gamer tag, telephone,address, and email, a first user transmitter/receiver included in afirst user system that transmits the portion of media and a messagegenerated by the first individual user regarding the portion of media toa group of individual users who are not content providers, the firstuser system including a first user interface having an input device andscreen view that is generated by software stored on a memory device ofthe first user transmitter/receiver, the first user system including auser profile generator interface and a store section for shopping forproducts and listing products for sale, wherein the store sectionincludes software that recognizes and tags items available to purchasein the media and a mechanism for virtually trying on products, aconfirmation mechanism that confirms that the group of individual usersare authorized to view the portion of media and a notification mechanismthat notifies the first individual user if any one of the group ofindividual users is not authorized to receive the portion of media andnotifies the one of the group of individual users that the portion ofmedia cannot be received due to programming configuration subscribed toby the one of the group of individual users, a plurality of usertransmitter/receivers included in a plurality of user systems thatreceive the portion of media upon authorization of the group ofindividual users; the plurality of user systems including a plurality ofuser interfaces having an input device and screen view that is generatedby software stored on a memory device of the plurality of usertransmitter/receivers, the plurality of user systems including a userprofile generator interface and a store section for shopping forproducts and listing products for sale, wherein the store sectionincludes software that recognizes and tags items available to purchasein the media and a mechanism for virtually trying on products, a searchmechanism that allows the first individual user and second individualuser to search by keywords for media and products used in media, a videorecording mechanism that allows the first individual user to record avideo of themselves and share the video with the plurality of individualusers, an online betting module that allows the first individual user toplace bets, and an online food ordering module that allows the firstindividual user to order food, wherein the online food ordering moduleincludes software that recognizes and tags food available to order inthe media.

The present invention also provides for a shopping interface forpurchasing items on media, including the user system having the userinterface displaying items for purchase and including software thatrecognizes and tags items available to purchase in the media, such thatwhen the media is paused, items for purchase pop up and are displayed onthe user interface allowing said user to select an item to purchase, theuser system storing user payment and address information onnon-transitory computer readable media, and the user interface includinga mechanism for virtually trying on products.

The present invention also provides for a method of shopping on media,including the steps of a user playing media on the user interface of theuser system, software recognizing and tagging items available topurchase in the media, the user pausing the media, displaying items forpurchase, the user selecting an item, the user virtually trying on theitem, and the user purchasing the item with stored user payment andaddress information on non-transitory computer readable media of theuser system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention are readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 illustrate a schematic view of a media sharing and communicationsystem according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of another media sharing andcommunication system according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of another media sharing andcommunication system according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of another media sharing andcommunication system according to the teachings of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a screen-shot of an exemplary user interfaceaccording to the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides systems and methods for sharingand exchanging media between individuals with a media sharing andcommunication system 10, shown in the FIGURES. The exchange of media canbe based on known interests of others.

“Individual” as defined herein, refers to an individual user of media,and not a media content provider or company.

“Media” as used herein, refers preferably to a short portion of media,or a clip i.e. less than a whole video, movie, television show, song,commercial, etc. However, full portions of media can also be shared.Also, screenshots of media can be shared. The portion of media can beany length of time, such as 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 25 seconds, 1 minute,2 minutes, 5 minutes, or other lengths. Some media are already dividedinto blocks defining particular scenes, such as in 10 second blocks orother lengths. The preset blocks of media can also be shared, and do notnecessarily need to be recorded to be shared.

The media can also be an online game, and users can record portions ofthe game they are playing, allowing other users to see highlights,records, achievements, or in general plays they have made. The onlinegame can be played on systems such as Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, orother web-based games through the Internet. The media, whether a game orother type, can also be on a virtual reality platform.

Advancements through the features of the present invention provide aTUBEMAIL™, TUBESHARE™, YOUSHARE™, communication system that allowsindividual users, who share the same cable or satellite provider, theability to record and share portions or full episodes of sportingevents, movies, shows, or otherwise along with messages regarding themedia.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a media sharing andcommunication system 10 is shown. The system 10 includes a media contentprovider 12 configured to provide media content to a plurality of usersystems 14 over one or more networks 16. The system 10 includes atransmitter 18 configured to transmit media, particularly mediaprogramming, to the user systems 14 over the one or more networks 16.The system 10 further includes a receiver 20 configured to receivemedia, or media information including identification information, fromthe user systems 14, over the one or more networks 16. The plurality ofuser systems 14 are configured to receive media, such as televisionprogramming, from the media content provider 12. In one exemplaryembodiment, the user systems 14 include a user transmitter/receiver 22,in communication with the media content provider, a display screen 24for viewing media content received by the user transmitter/receiver, andin one particular exemplary embodiment a digital recording device 26 forrecording digital information received by the transmitter/receiver 18.In one particular configuration, the user transmitter/receiver 22 isfurther configured for transmitting data stored by the digital recordingdevice 26.

In one exemplary mode of operation, digital media is transmitted orstreamed by the media content provider 12 to the plurality of usersystems 14. The media transmitted by the media content provider 12 maycomprise any media transmitted by a network including programming shows,movies, sporting events, or otherwise. The transmitted media is receivedby the user systems 14 through the one or more networks 16. The mediareceived by the user transmitter/receiver 22 is further transmitted tothe display screen 24 for viewing. During viewing, once the individualuser of the user system 14 determines they wish to share media content,the digital recording device 26 is activated to record the desired mediaor record information pertaining to the desired media. The media canalso be stored and saved on non-transitory computer readable medium onthe digital recording device 26 for sharing at a later time by the useror for the user's own personal reasons such as re-watching media orposting to their profile or social media to promote dialogues aboutcertain scenes or products. The digital recording device 26 can alsocopy the media for storage for a limited time instead of recording. Theindividual user of the user system 14 generates a message (which can bea text message, a voice commentary message, information related to thelocation of the media, or combinations thereof) and the recorded mediaor record information pertaining to the desired media along with themessage is then transmitted to another user system 14 (i.e. a seconduser system 14), via the network 16, through the usertransmitter/receiver 22. It should be understood that text messages caninclude emojis. Messages can also include image files, such as memes,gifs, stickers, or other files. Messages can include text or drawingmarkups in the media itself (such as with an annotating/markup programfor photos or drawings), such as pointing out an item in a scene,showing a sports play, or ways to emphasize any other particular momentin the media. Dissemination of media from one user system 14 to anotheruser system 14 may be based upon selection by an individual user of thefirst user system 14, based upon user profile set up by an individualuser of the first or second user system 14, or otherwise. In otherwords, the media can be selectively distributed to individual usersbased on their preferences, including an indication of desired mediacontent. Once the recorded media or media information is received by thesecond user system 14, the second individual user selectively reviewsthe message and views the media. In case the first individual user doesnot send a message along with the portion of media, the secondindividual user can initiate dialogue with the first individual user andsend a message to the first individual user. For example, if the firstindividual user sends a clip from a TV show without a message, and thesecond individual user is confused as to why they received the clip,they can send a message to the first individual user to ask them why theclip was sent. The first individual user can send messages either to asecond individual user alone, or to a group of individual users that thefirst individual user can select to share the message with. When sent toa group, this functions as a group chat.

In greater detail, with reference to FIGS. 1-4 , the media contentprovider 12 is configured for disseminating media to a plurality of usersystems 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the media content provider 12comprises a cable television provider, satellite television provider,online movie or other media provider, a media provider throughapplications on a smartphone or tablet, or otherwise. The media contentprovider 12 provides assortment of media including audio/visual media,identification information or otherwise. The media provides one or more,or plurality of programming for the user systems 14. Examples ofprogramming available through the media, without limitation, includesmovies, network programming, sporting events, concerts, online games, orotherwise. The media disseminated to the user systems 14 may be streamedthrough or stored on local hard drive of the media content provider 12or be accessible through a cloud.

The transmitter 18 of the media content provider 12 is configured todisseminate media to a plurality of user systems 14 over one or morenetworks 16. In one configuration, the network comprises a hardwirednetwork, such as a cable network extending from the media contentprovider 12 to the user systems 14. In another configuration, thenetwork comprises or includes a wireless network configured forbroadcasting signals through radio waves or otherwise. In the latterconfiguration the media content provider 12 includes a satellite dish orother means for broadcasting media. It is contemplated that the mediadisseminated from the media content provider 12 may be streamed throughthe media content provider or stored on one or more digital recordingdevice. Any user transmitter 18 or receiver 20 can include wirelesscommunication links for receiving media and media content providers 12can disseminate media through wireless communication links.

The receiver 20 of the media content provider is configured to receiveinformation from the user systems 14. In one configuration, the receiver20 records data transmitted by the user systems including media, programinformation, both or otherwise. Accordingly, in view of the manypotential user systems 14, it is contemplated that the receiver 20includes many data storage devices. In another configuration, thereceiver 20 is further configured for transmitting the received orrecorded media to another user system 14, according to a request by theoriginating user system 14.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 , thereceiver 20 is configured with suitable software for reviewing mediatransmitted by a user system. In this configuration, it is possible forthe receiver 20 to review the identification information of the mediatransmitted by a first user system 28 and confirm that a designatedsecond user system 30 is authorized to receive the media. In thisconfiguration, the receiver 20 confirms that the media transmitted bythe first user system 28 is viewable by the second user system 30through the viewing package held by the second user system. For example,should the first user system 28 transmit media from a first channel thereceiver 20 confirms that the second user system 30 is authorized toview media on the first channel. Should the programming subscribed bythe second user system 30 include the first channel then the second usersystem is authorized to receive and view the media along with anycommunication attached therewith. Should the programming purchased bythe second user system 30 not include the first channel then the seconduser system is notified that media could not be received due toprogramming configuration subscribed by the second user. Also, the firstuser system 28 is notified that the second user system 30 is notauthorized to receive the media due to programming subscription of thesecond user system. The authorization of the second user system 30 canalso be automatic or not needed if all users are subscribed to aparticular streaming service or channel that automatically allows themaccess to content therein.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , the user system 14, e.g. first user system28, second user system 30 or otherwise, include the usertransmitter/receiver 22, which is configured to receive media from themedia content provider 12 and in one particular exemplary embodimenttransmit media and/or communication to the media content provider 12 andanother user system 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the usertransmitter/receiver 22 is similar or includes a cable box, satellitereceiver or similar devise commonly used to receive broadcasted digitalprogramming. It should be appreciated that the transmitter/receiver 22may comprise a single unit or several units. The usertransmitter/receiver 22 can also be a suitable mechanism for receivingdata within a smartphone or tablet.

The user system 14 further include display screen 24 configured todisplay media received by the user transmitter/receiver 22. The displayscreen comprises any suitable display screen including standarddefinition televisions, high definition televisions, monitors orotherwise. The display screen 24 is in communication with thetransmitter/receiver 22 through suitable connecting cables or otherwise.The user systems 14 further includes digital recording device 26configured to record media received by the user transmitter/receiver 22.Examples of suitable digital recording devices 26 includes DVRs orotherwise. The digital recording device 26 is in communication with thetransmitter/receiver 22 through suitable connecting cables or otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5 , the user systems 14 further includesuitable software for generation of a user interface 32 that is useablewith a remote keypad, mouse and/or other user interface devices (smartphones, tablets, or other portable devices). A smart phone or tablet canalso be used as a remote control (to allow for easier messaging and useof emojis and general use of the user interface 32) in combination witha television or larger computer screen. In one exemplary embodiment, thesuitable software for generating the user interface 32 is stored on amemory device of the user transmitter/receiver 22. In the configurationshown in FIG. 5 , the user interface 32 provides means for composingmessages (whether text, video, or voice) and attaching media segments,e.g. audio, video and/or identification information, to the composedmessage. A quick share button can be included in the user interface 32that provides instant recording of media with options of length of timeof 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes,as well as any other desired length of time. The completed communicationis then sendable to other user systems 14. An instant messaging exchangecan be located across the bottom of the user interface 32. In theconfiguration shown, the user interface 32 includes a ‘FRIENDS’ sectionindicating users of other user systems 14. The user interface 32 furtherincludes ‘NEW’, ‘REPLY’ and ‘FORWARD’ icons for creating, responding andforwarding communications, which may include media. The user interface32 further includes INBOX′ section listing communication received fromother user systems 14 including ‘FROM’, communication or media‘SUBJECT’, date ‘RECIEVED’, and file ‘SIZE’ In one exemplary embodiment,the user interface 32 includes ‘Banner Add Space’ for displayingrelevant marketing or advertising to the user of the user system, whichmay be based upon a user profile (including age, gender, location,interests such as favorite television shows, actresses or actors, sportteams, soap operas, musician, band, celebrity commercials or otherwise),transmitted or received media and/or communication, or otherwise.

The user interface 32 can also include a store section wherein users canshop for products directly from their user system 14. The store sectioncan be easily accessible through a shop button or icon on the userinterface 32. A banner or separate section can also run along the bottomof the user interface 32 or at the side where products can be displayedwhile playing media. The store section can include products that aredirectly advertised to the user as above, or products that may be ofinterest to the user based on their user profile (i.e. targeted to theuser based on things that they like or are following their profile). Thestore section can include links to products on outside websites, suchthat when the user clicks on the item, they are directed to an outsidewebsite to complete the purchase. The store section can also receivemeta data (or other data tagged with information) from media that theuser is watching that generates links to products shown in the media sothat the user can purchase the products. The media can automaticallypush this data to the user system 14. Items can be tagged with asoftware program similar to facial recognition software used byFACEBOOK®. Any item within the media can be recognized with the softwareprogram and identified as an item available for purchase (such asclothing, jewelry, furniture, décor, makeup and beauty items, toys, andother household items) and that item can be located on a website orstore for purchase and the price of the item can be identified. Thesoftware program can analyze images within the media for pixel valuesand gradients to compare to images of items available for sale in orderto correctly identify the items. The store section can also allow forusers to purchase songs/music that they hear on media and songs can betagged in the same manner as physical products. The songs can bedownloaded individually as mp3 files or other audio files, or the usercan purchase an entire album that the song is from. The songs can besynced or downloaded directly to the user's account or to other musicplatforms such as Apple Music or TIDAL.

For example, if the user is watching “The View”, and they like thereading glasses that a co-host is wearing, a link can be generated forthose glasses that the user can click on and buy the glasses. The usercan pause the media that they are viewing (whether by operating a remotecontrol, mouse, or touchscreen), and options of items for purchase canbe presented on the screen either automatically (and include anindication that the item is for sale, such as a graphic display or iconwith the name of the item and its price and/or source), or when the userclicks on or moves a mouse over a certain item. The items can bedisplayed in a banner at the bottom or side of the media without theneed to pause. Every item can be displayed for sale in the scene to theuser or a single item that the user selects from the display.

Users can also gift products to other users in the system or otherindividuals outside of the system. For example, users can gift astreaming package or digital gift cards to other users. Gift cards canbe added to the other user's user profile for purchasing media contentor other products that they desire. Users can also gift products (suchas those advertised based on the other user's profile or listed on a“Gift Me” section of the user's profile that is viewable to other usersin which the user has liked or selected a particular item that they areinterested in having purchased for them) and have them shipped toanother user.

Users can also list their own products for sale in the store section toother users, as well as advertise their products to other users andupload their own advertisements or commercials. Users can store theirpayment (credit card/debit card/banking) information in their profile,along with their address to make transactions within the user system 14easy and quick. If the user does not complete a transaction on anoutside website, users can add items to a shopping cart within the usersystem 14 and check out with their payment information to have theiritems delivered. In general, when the user pauses the media, options canpop up on the user interface 32 for recording, sharing, purchasing, orgifting. This allows the user to easily select an option and proceedwith what they want to do. The user can click on the item they want topurchase and it can be added to a shopping cart, the payment informationcan be attached to the user's account and they can purchase the itemseamlessly without exiting the viewing platform and then the transactioncan be closed.

The store section can also include a mechanism for virtually trying onproducts including facial recognition software stored on non-transitorycomputer readable media in electronic communication with a camera on theuser system 14 such as from a smartphone, tablet, desktop computer,laptop, gaming system, or other system. The mechanism can display auser's face and/or body on the user interface 32 so that they canvirtually try on products that they are interested in buying. Themechanism can also display other items of the user with the camera, suchas a room, their house, or their yard or property. For example, the usercan try on jewelry, makeup, hair dye, or items of clothing, and the itemis shown virtually applied to themselves on the user interface 32. Theuser can also try out items in their room or yard, such as furniture,décor, or trees or flowers.

In one example with the store section, a user is watching TV and sees atie that George Clooney is wearing, the user can pause the screen, theoption to record, share, or purchase pops up on the screen, the user canselect purchase for any item that is tagged for purchase such as thetie, the item goes into their shopping cart, and having paymentinformation attached to the user account allows the user to purchase orgift the tie that they want without exiting the viewing platform. Inanother example, a child is watching a DISNEY® movie and their parenthears them ask for a Princess Jasmine costume seen in the movie. Theparent can pause the screen, select the costume, and purchase it withoutchanging the channel or having to search on another market/platform.

Therefore, the present invention also provides for a shopping interfacefor purchasing items on media, including the user system 14 having theuser interface 32 displaying items for purchase, such that when themedia is paused, items for purchase pop up and are displayed on the userinterface allowing said user to select an item to purchase, the usersystem 14 storing user payment and address information on non-transitorycomputer readable media, the user interface 32 also including amechanism for virtually trying on products. The items displayed forpurchase can also include food and the details of the food orderingmodule described below can be included in this system.

The present invention also provides for a method of shopping on media,including the steps of a user playing media on the user interface 32 ofthe user system 14, the user pausing the media, displaying items forpurchase, the user selecting an item, the user virtually trying on theitem, and the user purchasing the item with stored user payment andaddress information on non-transitory computer readable media of theuser system 14. The items displayed for purchase can also include foodand the details of the food ordering module described below can beincluded in this system.

The user interface 32 can further include a search mechanism that allowsindividual users to search for media or particular scenes in media aswell as products. Media can be searched by users by keywords (such asany identifying information in a particular scene or moment, landmarks,actor name, director name, type of media such as commercial, sportsevent, movie, or tv program, genre of media (drama, comedy, news,documentary, etc.), or combinations thereof located in the file name,file description, or meta data. If a media file itself has identifyinginformation within scenes, that can be searched. Clips or portions ofmedia can be saved by users (such as individuals, actors, or directors)in their account and can be searchable. For example, a user can searchfor “Scene in Forest Gump, when Forest runs through water at theNational Mall in DC”. Any clips/portions returned by the search resultscan then be selected and shared with other users or edited further (toselect a particular scene or moment) and then shared. Actors can alsonarrate scenes and explain to viewers what was going on in their mindduring that scene and provide the scenes as clips for users to share.Media can be searched to find items for users to make purchases (such asclothing, shoes, jewelry, electronics, or home items) that appear inmedia. For example, a user can search for Ann Hathaway because they likethe dress she had on in the movie “The Intern” at a certain scene. Thesearch results can provide a link to purchase or a link to purchasewithin the store section as above. The search mechanism allows users tofind content without having to leave the platform of the user system 14.

The user interface 32 can include a video recording mechanism, whereinusers can record a video of themselves and share the video with otherusers through the user system 14. For example, users can recordthemselves reenacting scenes from movies, shows, commercials, videogames, etc. The video recording mechanism can use sounds from any media(background music or other sounds) to bring reenactments to life. Userscan also speak along with their favorite scenes or actors for performingcomplete in sync voice overs. Users can also create challenges withother users to create reenactments, which promotes social use of themedia sharing and communication system 10. Users can also just create avideo of themselves and speak about the media that they have viewedand/or shared with other users.

The user interface 32 can include an online betting module that allowsusers to bet on sports events (such as NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, NASCAR), oron online games that users play against each other. The online bettingmodule can include an age verification mechanism according torequirements of cities, states, and/or countries. Bets can be placedbefore or during an event. The online betting module can be easilyaccessible through a button or icon on the user interface 32.

The user interface 32 can further include an online food ordering modulethat allows users to order food advertised in commercials or online ads(such as a pizza store, a fast food company, a convenience store), aswell as the type of food shown in a media program such as a tv show ormovie. For example, a tv show may feature the cast eating at a high endrestaurant, and different high end restaurants can be displayed on theuser interface as offering online ordering and optionally delivery tothe user. A cooking show can feature a particular type of cuisine (suchas Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Vietnamese, French,Fusion, Southern, Middle Eastern, Korean, Spanish, Eastern European,etc.), and the user interface can display restaurants of that type ofcuisine that offer online ordering and delivery. A user can click on therestaurant and order food for either pick up or delivery. The userinterface 32 can interact with existing food ordering/delivery platformssuch as Seamless, Grubhub, Uber Eats, Postmates, Yelp, Caviar, DoorDash,and others. The online food ordering module can also be easilyaccessible through a button or icon on the user interface 32. A user canalso gift food and delivery to another user and addresses of other users(contacts) can be stored in the user system 14 to easily send theseitems to another user. As with the store section, the online foodordering module can use a software program to identify and tag fooditems for purchase. Any food item within the media can be recognizedwith the software program and identified as an item available forpurchase and that item can be located at a restaurant or deliveryplatform for purchase. The software program can analyze images withinthe media for pixel values and gradients to compare to images of fooditems available for sale in order to correctly identify the food items.

In one exemplary embodiment the user system 14 includes suitablesoftware and user interface 32 for generating a user profile and attractother users or followers from social networks such as FACEBOOK®,TWITTER®, or otherwise, based upon the type of programming the userviews. The user profile includes information of an individual user ofthe user system 14 to provide an indication of personal preference. Forexample, information that can be inputted into the user interfaceincludes types of media, e.g. audio, video or identification informationthat a user enjoys. Other user preferences includes programming likesand dislikes including sports, movies, programming, celebrities,commercials, games, or otherwise. Other user preferences are possible.Users can also like or love any media, and this can be visible on theiruser profile and/or visible to other users or friends.

In greater detail, in one exemplary embodiment, the user profileprovides the ability to indicate special interests. In one particularconfiguration, the user profile is used to generate suggested viewing.The user profile provides the ability of a user to indicate particularinterests which may include a particular actor, athlete, programmingtype or otherwise. Based upon the user profile, the media sharing andcommunication system 10 generates a listing of program based upon theuser programming, which may include similar interest such as indicatedactors, athletes, programming type or otherwise. Traditional methodsrequire the user to search for something and then they begin to seeadvertisements directed towards their search. The present inventionreverses this process.

For example, should the user profile indicate a favorite baseball playerand the particular baseball player is participating in an interview onone programming channel, such as a finance channel, the system 10 wouldindicate to the user that a player indicated in their user profile is ona particular channel providing the ability of the user to watch orrecord the particular programming. This concept can also be applied toactors, movie types, sports, other players, automobile manufactures orotherwise.

The user profile as visible in user interface 32 can further includetabs for trending news, sports, products, or clips of media. The usercan add particular news sources, sports teams, or products they areinterested in, and/or these can be generated based on information in theuser profile. Users can also receive news updates based on theirinterests and preferences (such as finance, sports, local, etc.).

User profiles can also be tailored to a particular age group, such asfor kids, with tailored advertising and suggested media suitable for aparticular age group.

The communication system 10 provides socialization between users. Theindividual user of the user system 14 can send and receive a friendrequest, which must be approved by the recipient (i.e. second usersystem 14), in order to be added to the friend list and receive media.The communication system 10 is further configured to suggest friends orother users that have similar interest so that media can be sent toindividuals, of a user profile friend list, that has similar interests.The communication system 10 further provides the ability to set up anotification that will notify a user when other users are online oroffline. The individual user can also have an open profile option thatallows anyone to follow them or send media, promoting community andmeeting new people. A user can search for friends by name, username,gamer tag, telephone, address, or email that have been used in settingup a user profile.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, the user system 14 is integratedin hardware and/or software components of a cellular phone, i.e.smartphone, or tablet and is accessible to the user in the form of anapplication stored on non-transitory computer readable media or storedin a cloud. For example, the transmitter/receiver 22 comprises atransmitter/receiver 22 used in cellular phones for cellularcommunication. The display screen 24 comprises a screen and userinterface of the cellular phone. Further, the cellular phone includes adigital recording device comprising a memory module for recording media,generating user interfaces, generating messages, combinations thereof orotherwise.

In one particular mode of operation, referring again to FIGS. 1-5 ,during viewing of media being disseminated from the media contentprovider 12, should the viewer find a particular media content ofinterest, the user records and initiates the user interface 32 to selectother users to which to share the media content with. Optionally, theuser includes a message with the recorded media, such as “check thisout”, “did you see that play”, “best part of the movie”, or otherwise.The recorded media and message is sent to another user system 14,through the media content provider 12 and more specifically receiver 20.Should the recipient be authorized to receive the media and havesufficient memory, the message and media is transferred to the seconduser system 14. A user can also send a message to a second user aboutrecommended programming that the second user may like.

Any commands within the user system 14 can be actuated (received andexecuted) through the voice of the individual users. For example, theindividual user can use a voice command to rewind media, fast forwardmedia, record media, add a message to the recorded media, and send themedia and/or message to another user, as well as make purchases in thestore section, use the online food ordering module (ordering orsearching for food), use the betting module (placing and confirmingbets), and gift items. Any of the commands can be actuated for a setamount of time determined by the user (such as by seconds (5 seconds, 10seconds, 25 seconds) or minutes (1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes)) atthe time the voice command is given. For example, the individual usercan command “Rewind by 10 seconds and record for 25 seconds. Send toJoe.” The individual user can command “purchase the red hat and send toSheryl”.

In particular, when the message is a voice commentary, this allows theusers (whether sending or receiving) to narrate clips or portions ofmedia and to have open dialogue about particular clips of interest. Thiscan allow the user the opportunity to act as a news anchor or sportscommentator. Voice commentary allows the user to express with greatdetail what that media portion means to them along with why they decidedto send it to a particular user. This can enhance the television viewingexperience with friends and family when users are in two differenthouseholds, and gives the user an opportunity to explain to the otheruser why they feel they should or should not like a show, actor, sportsteam, etc. With the voice commentary, the user can also talk over adesired portion of media, much like a sports commentator or news anchor,and narrate the portion of media and add humor to it or dramatize itmore. The user can also add music over the portion of media.

The present invention creates excitement for the user when a user turnson their user system 14 and is notified that they have messages in theirINBOX from friends and family as in FIG. 5 . The present invention helpsreduce channel surfing, because when a user turns on their user system14, they have suggested media to review from their INBOX, as well assuggestions for media to view based on their likes and interests fromtheir user profile, such as an actress they like is on a talk show at acertain time, a particular category of media (action, architecture,sports, animals, drama), or their favorite sports team is playing on aparticular channel. Also, the user system 14 can allow for individualusers to see what their friends are watching, and they can be notifiedeither in their INBOX or on their display screen 24. This can promotegroup watching where the individual user can start watching a programalong with their friend or group of friends.

Users can further send messages to other users without a media fileattached with it. For example, a user can send another user a reminderthat a program they like was on earlier, or simply send messages notrelated to media files such as greetings to another user. Users can alsomessage each other while watching a live program, and this providesusers the ability to watch a program together while being in differentlocations. Messages can pop up on their display screen 24 of their usersystem 14 or go directly to their INBOX while watching a live program.

The present invention also provides for a method of sharing portions ofmedia and watching a live program, by a first individual user recordinga portion of media and recording a message (such as video, text, voice,or combinations thereof), transmitting the portion of media and messageto a second individual user if the second individual user is authorizedto view the portion of media, the second individual user viewing theportion of media and message, the first individual user recording amessage during a live program and transmitting the message to the secondindividual user, and the second individual user recording a messageduring the live program and transmitting the message to the firstindividual user. This method can be performed by using the media sharingand communications system 10 described above. More particularly, therecording step is further defined as the first individual user recordinga portion of media with a recording mechanism 26 in a first user system14, the transmitting step is further defined as transmitting the portionof media and message with a first user transmitter/receiver 22 to asecond user transmitter/receiver 22, and the viewing step is furtherdefined as a second individual user viewing the portion of media andmessage with a second user system 14. Any notifications described abovecan be sent to the first individual user or second individual user, suchas notifying the first individual user if the second individual user isnot authorized to view the portion of media.

The users can create user profiles and the user systems 14 can generatesuggested programming based on the user profile. The method can furtherinclude notifying the first (or second) individual user of messages inan inbox and suggestions of programming when the first (or second) usersystem 14 is turned on. The users can also shop in the store section ofthe user system 14 or list products for sale. The users can place anonline bet with the online betting module. The users can order food withthe online food ordering module. The first individual user can alsorecord a video of themselves and share the video with the secondindividual user as described above. While watching the live programming,any users can also live stream a video of themselves to share with otherusers in the group watching the media on their user interfaces 32. Thestreaming videos can appear to the side of the media being watched or beminimized when desired.

The present invention also provides for method of sharing media by afirst individual user searching for media of program information,programming shows, movies, concerts, sporting events, online games, orcommercials by keywords and selecting a portion of media returned insearch results, the first individual user recording a message of video,text, voice, emojis, images, or combinations thereof, transmitting theportion of media and message to a second individual user if the secondindividual user is authorized to view the portion of media, and thesecond individual user viewing the portion of media and message. Thesearching step is performed with the searching mechanism as describedabove. The first individual user can also record a video of themselvesand share the video with the second individual user as described above.

The present invention also generally provides for a method of sharingportions of media, by a first individual user recording a portion ofmedia and recording a message chosen from the group consisting of video,text, voice, and combinations thereof, transmitting the portion of mediaand message to a second individual user if the second individual user isauthorized to view the portion of media, the second individual userviewing the portion of media and message, the first individual userrecording a message and transmitting the message to the secondindividual user, and the second individual user recording a message andtransmitting the message to the first individual user, wherein any ofthe steps are performed by a voice command. The first individual usercan also record a video of themselves and share the video with thesecond individual user as described above.

Throughout this application, various publications, including UnitedStates patents, are referenced by author and year and patents by number.Full citations for the publications are listed below. The disclosures ofthese publications and patents in their entireties are herebyincorporated by reference into this application in order to more fullydescribe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is tobe understood that the terminology, which has been used is intended tobe in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventioncan be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A media sharing and communication system,comprising: a recording mechanism that records a desired portion ofmedia upon activation by a first individual user who is not a contentprovider, the portion of media being less than a full media episode; afriend request mechanism for sending and receiving friend requestsbetween users to be approved to receive and share media and wherein thefriend request mechanism suggests friends who have similar interests ofthe first individual user, and wherein the friends are searchable byinformation chosen from the group consisting of name, username, gamertag, telephone, address, and email; a first user transmitter/receiverincluded in a first user system that transmits the portion of media anda message generated by the first individual user regarding the portionof media to a second individual user who is not a content provider, thefirst user system including a first user interface having an inputdevice and screen view that is generated by software stored on a memorydevice of the first user transmitter/receiver, the first user systemincluding a user profile generator interface and a store section forshopping for products and listing products for sale, wherein said storesection includes software that recognizes and tags items available topurchase in said media and a mechanism for virtually trying on products;a confirmation mechanism that confirms that the second individual useris authorized to view the portion of media and a notification mechanismthat notifies the first individual user if the second individual user isnot authorized to receive the portion of media and notifies the secondindividual user that the portion of media cannot be received due toprogramming configuration subscribed to by the second individual user; asecond user transmitter/receiver included in a second user system thatreceives the portion of media upon authorization of the secondindividual user; the second user system including a second userinterface having an input device and screen view that is generated bysoftware stored on a memory device of the second usertransmitter/receiver, the second user system including a user profilegenerator interface and a store section for shopping for products andlisting products for sale, wherein said store section includes softwarethat recognizes and tags items available to purchase in said media and amechanism for virtually trying on products; a search mechanism thatallows the first individual user and second individual user to search bykeywords for media and products used in media; a video recordingmechanism that allows the first individual user to record a video ofthemselves and share the video with the second individual user; anonline betting module that allows the first individual user to placebets; and an online food ordering module that allows the firstindividual user to order food, wherein said online food ordering moduleincludes software that recognizes and tags food available to order insaid media.
 2. The media sharing and communication system of claim 1,wherein said mechanism for virtually trying on products displaysproducts on the first individual user's face, on the first individualuser's body, in the first individual user's room, and on the firstindividual user's property.
 3. The media sharing and communicationsystem of claim 1, wherein the online food ordering module allows thefirst individual user to order food chosen from the group consisting offood advertised in a commercial, food advertised in an online ad, andfood shown in a media program.
 4. The media sharing and communicationsystem of claim 3, wherein the online food ordering module interactswith an existing food ordering and delivery platform.
 5. The mediasharing and communication system of claim 1, wherein said first userinterface further includes a quick share button that allows for instantrecording of media for a length of time chosen from the group consistingof 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 5minutes.
 6. The media sharing and communication system of claim 1,wherein the first user system and second user system are capable ofreceiving and executing voice commands chosen from the group consistingof rewinding media, fast forwarding media, recording media, adding amessage to recorded media, and sending media and/or a message.
 7. Themedia sharing and communication system of claim 1, wherein said firstuser system and said second user system are integrated in a smartphoneor tablet and are accessible by using an application stored onnon-transitory computer readable media.
 8. The media sharing andcommunication system of claim 1, wherein the media is chosen from thegroup consisting of program information, programming shows, movies,concerts, sporting events, online games, virtual reality, preset blocksof media, and commercials.
 9. The media sharing and communication systemof claim 1, wherein the second user transmitter/receiver includes arecording mechanism that records a desired portion of media uponactivation by the second individual user and can transmit the portion ofmedia to the first individual user.
 10. The media sharing andcommunication system of claim 1, wherein the first user interfacetransmits the portion of media to the second user transmitter/receiverbased upon a profile established through a user interface of the seconduser transmitter/receiver.
 11. The media sharing and communicationsystem of claim 10, wherein the profile comprises select program orprogram type disseminated by a media content provider and personalinformation of the user of the first user transmitter/receiver.
 12. Themedia sharing and communication system of claim 11, wherein the personalinformation includes payment information.
 13. The media sharing andcommunication system of claim 1, wherein the first usertransmitter/receiver automatically records media disseminated by themedia content provider based upon preferences entered into a userprofile of the first user transmitter/receiver.
 14. The media sharingand communication system of claim 1, wherein the notification mechanismnotifies the first individual user, the second individual user, or both,if the second user transmitter/receiver does not have sufficient memoryto receive the portion of media.
 15. The media sharing and communicationsystem of claim 1, wherein the message is chosen from the groupconsisting of text, voice, video, emojis, text and drawing markups inthe media, and images.
 16. The media sharing and communication system ofclaim 1, wherein the products are chosen from the group consisting ofproduct directly advertised to the first individual user, products basedon a user profile, products shown in media, songs heard in media, andcombinations thereof.
 17. A method of sharing portions of media,including the steps of: a first individual user recording a portion ofmedia and recording a message chosen from the group consisting of video,text, voice, emojis, text and drawing markups of the media, images, andcombinations thereof with a first user interface on a first user system;transmitting the portion of media and message to a second individualuser if the second individual user is authorized to view the portion ofmedia; the second individual user viewing the portion of media andmessage with a second user interface on a second user system; the firstindividual user placing a bet on a sporting event or online game with anonline betting module on the first user interface; software in a storesection in the first user interface recognizing and tagging itemsavailable to purchase in the media; the first individual user shoppingfor available products from the store section and virtually trying onproducts; software in an online food ordering module in the first userinterface recognizing and tagging food available to order in the media;and the first individual user ordering food with the online foodordering module on the first user interface.
 18. The method of claim 17,further including the step of the first individual user recording avideo of themselves and sharing the video with the second individualuser.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein each of the steps areperformed using an application on a smartphone or tablet stored onnon-transitory computer media.
 20. The method of claim 17, furtherincluding before said first individual user recording a portion of mediastep, the step of the first individual user searching for media chosenfrom the group consisting of program information, programming shows,movies, concerts, sporting events, online games, and commercials bykeywords and selecting a portion of media returned in search results.21. The method of claim 17, further including the step of the firstindividual user searching for a product in media and purchasing theproduct through the first user interface.
 22. The method of claim 17,wherein said recording step is further defined as the first individualuser recording a portion of media with a recording mechanism in thefirst user system, wherein said transmitting step is further defined astransmitting the portion of media and message with a first usertransmitter/receiver to a second user transmitter/receiver, and whereinsaid viewing step is further defined as a second individual user viewingthe portion of media and message with the second user system.
 23. Themethod of claim 17, further including the step of notifying the firstindividual user if the second individual user is not authorized to viewthe portion of media.
 24. The method of claim 17, further including thestep of the first individual user creating a user profile, and the firstuser system generating suggested programming based on the user profile.25. The method of claim 17, further including the step of notifying thefirst individual user of messages in an inbox and suggestions ofprogramming when the first user system is turned on and notifying thefirst individual user that a friend is watching a program.
 26. Themethod of claim 17, further including the step of the first individualuser shopping for products from the first user interface chosen from thegroup consisting of product directly advertised to the first individualuser, products based on a user profile, and combinations thereof. 27.The method of claim 17, further including the step of the firstindividual user listing products for sale on the first user interface.28. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of a first individual userrecording a portion of media is performed with a quick share button thatallows for instant recording of media for a length of time chosen fromthe group consisting of 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1minute, and 5 minutes.
 29. The method of claim 17, wherein the food ischosen from the group consisting of food advertised in a commercial,food advertised in an online ad, and food shown in a media program. 30.The method of claim 29, wherein the online food ordering moduleinteracts with an existing food ordering and delivery platform.
 31. Themethod of claim 17, wherein said step of the first individual usershopping for available products from the store section further includesthe step of gifting products to an individual.
 32. The method of claim17, wherein said step of the first individual user shopping foravailable products from the store section and virtually trying onproducts further includes the step of displaying products on the firstindividual user's face, on the first individual user's body, in thefirst individual user's room, and on the first individual user'sproperty.
 33. A media sharing and communication system, consisting of: arecording mechanism that records a desired portion of media uponactivation by a first individual user who is not a content provider, theportion of media being less than a full media episode; a friend requestmechanism for sending and receiving friend requests between users to beapproved to receive and share media and wherein the friend requestmechanism suggests friends who have similar interests of the firstindividual user and wherein the friends are searchable by informationchosen from the group consisting of name, username, gamer tag,telephone, address, and email; a first user transmitter/receiverincluded in a first user system that transmits the portion of media anda message generated by the first individual user regarding the portionof media to a group of individual users who are not content providers,the first user system including a first user interface having an inputdevice and screen view that is generated by software stored on a memorydevice of the first user transmitter/receiver, the first user systemincluding a user profile generator interface and a store section forshopping for products and listing products for sale, wherein said storesection includes software that recognizes and tags items available topurchase in said media and a mechanism for virtually trying on products;a confirmation mechanism that confirms that the group of individualusers are authorized to view the portion of media and a notificationmechanism that notifies the first individual user if any one of thegroup of individual users is not authorized to receive the portion ofmedia and notifies the one of the group of individual users that theportion of media cannot be received due to programming configurationsubscribed to by the one of the group of individual users; a pluralityof user transmitter/receivers included in a plurality of user systemsthat receive the portion of media upon authorization of the group ofindividual users; the plurality of user systems including a plurality ofuser interfaces having an input device and screen view that is generatedby software stored on a memory device of the plurality of usertransmitter/receivers, the plurality of user systems including a userprofile generator interface and a store section for shopping forproducts and listing products for sale, wherein said store sectionincludes software that recognizes and tags items available to purchasein said media and a mechanism for virtually trying on products; a searchmechanism that allows the first individual user and plurality ofindividual users to search by keywords for media and products used inmedia; a video recording mechanism that allows the first individual userto record a video of themselves and share the video with the pluralityof individual users; an online betting module that allows the pluralityof individual users to place bets; and an online food ordering modulethat allows the plurality of individual users to order food, whereinsaid online food ordering module includes software that recognizes andtags food available to order in said media.
 34. A shopping interface forpurchasing items on media, comprising: a user system having a userinterface displaying items for purchase including software thatrecognizes and tags items available to purchase in said media, such thatwhen said media is paused, items for purchase pop up on said userinterface allowing said user to select an item to purchase, said usersystem storing user payment and address information on non-transitorycomputer readable media, and said user interface including a mechanismfor virtually trying on products.
 35. The shopping interface of claim33, wherein said items for purchase includes food.
 36. The shoppinginterface of claim 33, wherein said items for purchase are gifted to anindividual.
 37. A method of shopping on media, including the steps of: auser playing media on a user interface of a user system; softwarerecognizing and tagging items available to purchase in the media; theuser pausing the media; displaying items for purchase; the userselecting an item; the user virtually trying on the item; and the userpurchasing the item with stored user payment and address information onnon-transitory computer readable media of the first user system.
 38. Themethod of claim 37, wherein the items displayed includes food.
 39. Themethod of claim 37, wherein said purchasing step is further defined asthe user purchasing the item and gifting the item to an individual withstored user payment and address information on non-transitory computerreadable media of the first user system.